Seven are inducted into Eastern Shore Baseball Hall of Fame

Dec. 2, 2013

Ian Snell

Written by

Cody Clough

Special to the Delmarva Media Group

About the Eastern Shore Baseball Hall of Fame

Originating in 1997, the Eastern Shore Baseball Hall of Fame museum has gratified more than 300 coaches, players, and individuals that have made a contribution to Delmarva’s baseball history. The museum is located in Arthur W. Purdue stadium in Salisbury, MD. The Hall of Fame museum has been acknowledged not only regionally, but also nationally. The museum has received recognition from the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY and also from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, MO.

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SALISBURY — The Eastern Shore Baseball Foundation recently revealed its Hall of Fame inductees for the class of 2013. Seven individuals were selected for their impact they have made on baseball for the Eastern Shore.

This year’s class includes Ian Snell, Donnie Miller, Bette McPhail Morris, Craig Shreeves, William R. McCain, Derek “Deke” Yobst and James E. Hall Sr. Each selected person has made an impact in their own way, whether it be as a manager, player or booster.

“It’s a great honor and privilege to be here tonight,” said umpire Donnie Miller.

“I also would like to accept this reward on behalf of all the umpires on the Eastern Shore.”

Miller has been an umpire at many different levels on Delmarva for the past 53 years.

Most of the inductees attended the event, but there was one individual who was not able to make it in person. Ian Snell was a Caesar Rodney High School graduate who spent seven years in the big leagues as a pitcher for the Seattle Mariners and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

“It’s an honor, and I am very blessed,” Snell said. “I was very surprised, but very grateful to be a part of the Eastern Shore Baseball Hall of Fame.”

Snell went 38-53 in his major league career, with a 4.80 ERA in 152 games. He struck out 639 and walked 372.

Snell was not the only baseball player who was inducted into the hall of fame this year.

Derek “Deke” Yobst also had his named called to be among this select group. Yobst was a former shortstop and a closer for the Perdue Chicks of the Eastern Shore Baseball League.

“This is right up at the top of my career accomplishments,” Yobst said. “To have my name and plaque in the same place as the other great players to have played baseball on the shore is something I am very proud of.”

The selection committee has been around for some time now, and one inductee in particular has been associated with the board for a little more than three decades now, earning her own recognition.

“I’ve been on the board since 1981; being on the board is fun, everyone is wonderful, and it’s absolutely hard to believe I was chosen,” said board member Bette McPhail Morris.

Another big name that found its way onto the list of inductees was Perdue Chicks manager Craig Shreeves — the active manager of the semi-pro team.

During his time as manager, Shreeves has racked up 457 wins, while also compiling 12 Eastern Shore Baseball League Championships.

“I will be honest, it’s kind of awkward because I’m not quitting,” Shreeves said. “I am still going to coach another 20 years if I can, but regardless, I am shocked and to be recognized is an honor.”

William R. McCain is a very prominent booster for the organization and the sport as a whole. McCain was one of the founders of the modern day Eastern Shore Baseball League.

James E. Hall Sr. was recognized for his management of the Oaksville Eagles. He once strung together a 48-game winning streak.